Category Archives: Cloud Computing

Hybrid Cloud: The Influential Factor Of Flexibility

You might have seen many articles on private cloud or a public cloud, but a cloud strategy is not limited to this only. The answer may be in an intermediate range, the Hybrid Cloud.

First of all, let’s see how these services are deployed.

Private cloud – internalized or externalized: A private cloud is a cloud infrastructure operated directly and exclusively by an organization. The best known example is that of a cloud that runs on an internal IT company. Obviously, this infrastructure can be internalized. Under these conditions it is operated by the IT teams. Or it can be outsourced to a hosting company, specialized in cloud services.

In both cases, the infrastructure can be physically being in the company (on-premise), or outside the premise, and then we say that it is hosed. But in both cases, only the organization operates and supports the load.

A private cloud is primarily a natural movement of the company. The infrastructure that has funded by deployed, maintained, energized, powered, and updated applications on the regular basis usually provide the first support for cloud projects consumed by the enterprise and its ecosystem.

Services deployed in the cloud are therefore based on an infrastructure in internal control. And it is reassuring for CIOs shows the use of equipment purchased in time. It can better justify spending equipment and keep their hands on the edge of the information system and all that is within the boundary.

In many companies, business applications cannot be conceived outside of the physical infrastructure of the company. In some cases, this is a safety issue. For example, Bank data, Health Care, Defense, etc. In other cases, it is a question of attitude.

In all cases, the private cloud is an economical choice. The information from here in the case of system investments and the company fully supports funding.

Public cloud infrastructure:

A public cloud is based on open and shared public infrastructure. All users connect to the same infrastructure to access the same services that are rented. All users coexist within this infrastructure: developers to ensure data isolation of each other. If there are several levels of membership to a public cloud, we consider two:

Public infrastructure: the company occupies and rent a place in the infrastructure of the hosting company for the service in the cloud. It makes available virtualized resources – servers with their operating systems, storage with databases, and network to communicate – it consumes resources according to the needs. These resources are virtualized, that is to say are running in virtual machines (VM). Hundreds of virtual machines running on a physical machine, so many companies or individuals may be present on the same machine, called open architecture. The advantage for the company is that by sharing the same infrastructure with other companies cut the cost. And management, such as maintenance of the infrastructure is provided by the hosting company.

The multitenant: users participate and praise the same service, whatever the resources, infrastructure, management of servers, and storage, which is an application that is available with the storage of data. The user pays for a service, often with a clause volume changed the price down as well as up depending on the number of users and the use of storage space or data exchanged and processed. The service will be displayed on the workstation, usually in a browser internet. Some of these services ‘public cloud’ is already used by many organizations, such as messaging offered by the search engines or e-commerce websites, or CRM solutions – managing the customer relationship, even some payroll system programs.

The advantage for the company is to first be able to have multiple services without having to invest in infrastructure and licenses, and rapidly deployable since it is adequate to connect and declare it to start operations.

Another advantage is that you can always use the latest version of the solution, without the need to provide updates. Deployment is flexible and related to the only operating expenses. Finally, the solution to the public cloud is also interesting; mobility users can have the same tools as they connect.

Hybrid Cloud: the principle of flexibility

We have almost seen every version of cloud displays its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of one or the other is often dictated by necessity or by company policy. For example, the private cloud can keep the control of its information system, while the public cloud offers greater flexibility in the deployment of shared services.

When a company enforces a strict and restrictive discipline, it focuses on the infrastructure it owns, obviously oversized to be able to withstand peak loads, but under its full control. Conversely, it can select more flexibility, but lose that sense of security by using the cloud, sometimes at the risk of getting lost. Cloudiness prevailing on certain clauses of reversibility demonstrated.

However, there is an intermediate position which may enable the company to benefit from the best of both worlds: the hybrid cloud. This is a composition of two clouds, and the company can take advantage of two deployment models of cloud services.

The hybrid cloud considered for its flexibility. Some examples: components and strategic and highly secure applications of information systems can be deployed internally in a private cloud, components and operation applications, accessories, services and architectures for development and testing can appeal to public cloud services.

These may also cover temporary needs or meet the objectives of proximity access, for example, based on hosting company that has a network of data centers in the world, which can improve the availability of service and reduce latency.

Building hybrid cloud architecture can go further with what we call the ‘cloud bursting’. The system displays information using two levels; the average level is the most common since it covers 80 to 90% (or more) of the consumption of material resources, and come to peak loads, in those rare moments the year when excess needs (e.g. Balances and year-end holidays in the trade) cause additional load to which the SI (Sustainable Infrastructure) must meet.

The architecture ‘on premise’ must accept these peaks, so all SI is oversized compared to the real needs of the company means. The ‘cloud bursting’ is to see the peaks of consumption of infrastructure resources in the cloud. ISD (Infrastructure Services Division) can resize and its information as accurately as not invest in ‘capex’ (Capital expenditures) – and private cloud. Its permanent needs a replay in ‘opex’ (operating expense) needs at the margin.

That is why the hybrid cloud architectures should quickly establish itself to companies who are in search of the security of an internalized SI and flexibility of an IaaS in the cloud. The process is even more important that we go through a period of technological revolution, both the evolution of equipment and tools, especially the Virtualization infrastructure, and changes in use, especially consumerization in IT and mobility.

By Paul Lopez,

Paul Lopez, a technology writer and sales & marketing executive at bodHOST.com, a cloud & dedicated server hosting company based in New Jersey.

Public Clouds Have Internal IT Beat for New Projects, and It’s Slowly Killing off Enterprise IT

For departments in organizations that need to get an application deployed, the fastest and most effective option is renting IT resources on a public cloud such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), rather than working with the internal IT department. As a result, cloud providers like AWS are slowly killing off enterprise IT, as on-premise IT staff and hardware are needed less and less.

This ease of application deployment on a public cloud comes from the democratization of the application deployment process: Anyone with a credit card and a few hours to watch tutorial videos can make an application available publicly. Moreover, departments often find that public clouds not only offer instant gratification but also rationalize costs with pay-as-you-go billing, remove project startup costs and allow for accelerated deployment schedules.

Internal IT Departments are Slow, Cumbersome and Costly

Internal IT departments are usually built as shared services models. Data center space is rented or constructed, and then, hardware and technical staff are brought on to run the IT department. This department services an entire organization with ticketing systems to fix issues with existing infrastructure and planning processes on new projects that occur only on a quarterly or yearly basis. These processes quickly get bogged down, making reaction times slow from the IT department. Moreover, as new projects involve additional overhead, stakeholders from around the organization must lobby internally, or go through a lengthy approval process to gain access to IT resources. This process is tedious and can be costly. Worst, the lag times from the budgeting and planning process may impact the launch date for a new project.

Public Clouds offer Instant IT Gratification

For project stakeholders that don’t want access to IT resources to slow down their initiatives, public clouds offer a cheap, fast alternative. Anyone with a credit card who follows the instructions can quickly launch a virtual server and deploy an application or begin developing on a public cloud. This is nearly instantaneous compared to the weeks or months needed to with IT department. Better yet, there’s no approval process and no need to speak with anyone, just an API to hit. Of course, there are security and compliance needs that may not be met by a cloud provider. However, barring those requirements, the public cloud will almost always beat the internal IT department for making available resources for a new project.

Public Clouds Have Better Short-Term Economics

Departments in an organization that contribute budget to their IT departments will see a public cloud as cheaper. For starters, (Source: Wired) the cloud eliminates the need to rent out more data center space (or build a new one), buy expensive servers, network and storage, and possibly hire in more help before any actual work on the project even begins. Much of this would be footed by the department before a single line of code for an application was written. A developer can instead rent infrastructure on AWS with zero dollars needed up front. Moreover, the pay as you go nature of many cloud billing plans, make clear what was rented and thus make spending more transparent. Not only is it cheaper to start, but trading capex for opex is very attractive for new product or experiments.

Clouds Enable Faster Development and Deployment

Because clouds democratize access to deployment, anyone given access by the project administrator can issue an update at any time. This is different from the usual waits that are needed for a ticket to an IT department to be processed. Moreover, AWS, Heroku, and other IaaS and PaaS vendors have enabled an ever-growing ecosystem of “fill in the blank” as a Service vendors. These solutions are not only plug-and-play, but also, they do not require maintenance and come in all shapes and sizes to uniquely fit the needs of a project. In on-premise enterprise IT, the IT department would need to either purchase an off-the shelf component and integrate it in manually, or home-grow which would add more time and complexity to an IT project.

Clouds are not an IT Elixir, But Make it Easy to Start Projects

While clouds offer faster deployment, rationalize spend, may be cheaper and are universally available for access to IT resources, choosing that infrastructure option is not without some possible setbacks. An application run on a cloud is at the mercy of a third party. If the public cloud goes down or has an issue, so will that application. Further, monitoring and understanding the performance of the cloud and the many services that are used within an application requires specialized skills and tools to ensure that an application is working the way that it should be. Departments deploying an application on a public cloud may not at first realize that when they choose to go outside of their internal IT departments, they are going to have to become handy, if not expert, in many aspects of running an application on a public cloud. And long-term, large-scale economics of cloud deployments differ drastically from their traditional counterparts, and create new management challenges.

Yet, because these possible issues are usually not enough to balance out a long wait for an internal IT department to address a new project’s needs, the added complexity of running an application on a cloud will not likely dissuade most project stakeholders from using this infrastructure.

New projects are the gateway drug to public clouds. Thus, the move to cloud hosting providers is slowly but surely killing internal enterprise IT.

Prior to founding Datadog, Olivier Pomel built data systems for K-12 teachers as a VP, Technology for Wireless Generation, growing the development team from a handful to close to 100 of the best engineers in NYC until the company’s acquisition by News Corp. Before Wireless Generation, Olivier held software engineering positions at IBM Research and several internet startups. Olivier is an original author of the VLC media player and holds a MS in CS from the Ecole Centrale Paris.

All David Fletcher comic images are owned by CloudTweaks.com. If you would like to reuse them on your social media network, please feel free to do so as long as there is a clearly defined link to the original comic source. If you would like to use them in print, powerpoint or on your website.

The Impact of IT Trends in Mobile Cloud Computing

The Rise of Mobile Commerce: Most modern businesses use mobile devices in their daily transactions. In fact, studies show that more than 30% of all mobile users spend around 27 minutes every day texting, calling or video chatting. Based on your budget, ?-commerce’ can be structured into either an app or interactive mobile site. Phone-based websites give users the convenience of accessing virtual content from any place or time. Nowadays, people walk with their handsets everywhere they go even when traveling.

Fragility of mobile devices: With the ongoing rapid development of wireless communication and internet connectivity, most modern communication devices come fitted with digital images, portable cameras and other related features. This helps users view images at high definition and also share them through instant cloud computing platforms.Today, it’s possible to make unique applications using watermarking software. This unique cloud application helps in image authentication as well as tamper localization. However, there are various demerits that mobile devices have when it comes to cloud computing. First, some of them have limited memory capacity and cannot open big files, moreover since they are portable there’s always the risk of loss due to misplacement or theft.

Increase in the Worker Mobility: Statistics show that three-quarters of all modern employees use handsets to increase their productivity. Most of them are using modern devices such as tablets and smartphones, these appliances offer users better virtual working tools that are relevant to the fast-paced corporate world. Therefore, companies should always try to find ways of supporting the use of mobile devices within the work setting. This can help employees access various communication systems, data recovery and backup solutions and applications with ease. Mobile cloud computing allows different people to access information from a common resource network, however the main advantage of this technology is that users can view files even on offline mode. It can be used by firms to save on the costs of installing different data programs for each and every employee.

Fragmentation of Devices: Mobile phone fragmentation occurs when some subscribers are using an old OS edition, while others are running their devices on new and updated versions. This phenomenal can be worsened if the main wireless carrier is charged with deciding the deployment of OS updates, it would be better if the phone’s manufacturer does this for efficiency. Fragmentation may be a setback for professional software developers, most of who need to create different editions of an app to keep up with technological advancements and competition from other programmers. Device fragmentation can also be a hindrance for IT experts, most of who need to manage and safeguard their OS’s from intrusion by hackers. Different software editions have unique capacities, therefore making it hard to stem illegal updates from unknown sources. Nevertheless, this problem is more common in Android devices and not those that run on iOS.

HTML5: The HTML5 technology comprises of JavaScript APIs and CSS3 applications. CSS stands for Cascading Structural Sheets such as footers, headers and unique document figures. They help mobile phone subscribers to access unique content and layouts from their devices. HTML5 is important in mobile cloud computing since it helps in making adjustments on factors like screen orientation, screen size and image resolution.

SaaS For Startups: 6 Things Every CEO Should Know

SaaS packages have evolved from large enterprise commodities to must-have solutions for businesses of all sizes. Once reserved for large corporate infrastructures, the evolution in cloud technology and the BYOD trends have changed how businesses use and license out SaaS platforms. That being said, with all of the choices out there, it can be difficult to choose exactly which service platform is really the most efficient and cost-effective for a small startup.

For startup CEOs, it’s your job to weigh the cost of investments in hopes they’ll support the future of your business. Here are the six major components to consider when you’re shopping for your SaaS provider.

The Provider Must Implement Efficiently

The importance of a provider to install the software quickly and efficiently cannot be emphasized enough. If a provider is slow in installation, it’s likely his product will mirror that inefficiency. Employees should be able to use the software in a short period of time, so that workflow isn’t hindered. The system should be cross-compatible with multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. It should also support all major web browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera.

Ask your potential provider about time estimates for installation and compatibility with these operating systems and web browsers. If the provider doesn’t seem confident about a quick and simple operation, then continue looking for another SaaS provider.

The Software Should be Customizable

The SaaS platform you’re looking at should allow for specific customizations based on your audience and business needs. Your provider should be able to mold their software according to your business requirements to enhance workflow and compliance. If the provider is unable to do this, you should continue to shop around. There are SaaS platforms available that will meet all of your business needs, and they’ll allow you to keep up with the advancing business technology market.

The Application Must Have Usable Features

You should remember that buying SaaS is a business investment, and just like all the other investments you’ll be making as a startup CEO, you want to get your money’s worth in the long-run, even if that means a steep cost up front. If you choose a provider that offers simple, scaled-down applications because they’re cheaper, you’ll end up spending more money on software in the end. You’ll also spend more money on fixing the simple bugs in the software, and you’ll lose money on software lag and lack of efficiency.

An important feature, as well, is the SaaS platform’s mobile scalability. Employees should be able to access the software in the cloud via any mobile service securely and easily in order to maximize productivity. Whether it’s a tablet, or a T-mobile cell phone, the platform you choose must flexible to accommodate both your clients’ and employees’ needs

The Software Must Have Inter-operating Applications

SaaS providers should have several applications that work with one another so your business operations will run efficiently. Not only does it show that the provider can handle multiple software programs, it also creates more cohesive operations for your business. The provider you choose should only use powerful, large-scale servers, as well. These will help to enhance cloud-based infrastructure so that computers don’t lag. Be sure to research what your provider’s software can handle before you buy it.

Also, see if the company has a sandbox trial version. This is a watered-down version of the company’s SaaS that has minimal customization features. However, you’ll be able to stress-test the software, find out what you can implement with it, and be able to test features. If your provider offers this version, definitely test it out before you sign a contract with them or buy a membership.

The Software Must Support a Secure Cloud Infrastructure

Because SaaS operates via the Web, it’s crucial that the software supports a secure cloud infrastructure so that you can avoid potential security threats and data breaches. You’ll need it to protect and backup your valuable and private information including social security numbers, phone numbers, addresses, and confidential documents. With a quality cloud infrastructure, your employees will be able to use the software safely and remotely so they can work from home, or while on business trips.

The Provider Must Have Longevity

Research the company you’re thinking of going with. Do they have a good track record? Have they been out for a while? Knowing a company has a good reputation will give you better insight into your business with them. It will also tell you if they have endurance and will be able to keep up with changing technology.

You don’t want to start a company who invests in failing products and has to deal with the headache of malfunctioning software. Follow these steps to make sure you’re buying the most efficient and fitting SaaS for your business. It needs to be customizable and simple so that everyone who works for you can operate it easily. What have your experiences been with SaaS?

By Miles Young

Miles Young is a freelance writer, tech geek and world traveler. He specializes in business, communication and mobile technologies. Follow him @MrMilesYoung on Twitter.

Cloud Infographic: Information Security Workforce

Everyday there are more articles citing security as the top concern holding back public cloud adoption. While cloud means many things to different people, so does the term security. In discussions with business and industry experts, security concerns really boil down to the classic CIA—now CIAA—triad: confidentiality, integrity, availability and the more recently appended “audit”. Continue Reading

Included is an excellent infographic provided by the group at PraetorianGuardcovering the ever important issues involving information security in the workforce.

Six HR Technology Functions That Will Help You Retain Your Best Staff

New trends in technology are making it possible for organisations to engage with their employees on a deeper level, making the employees more likely to stick around and contribute to sustainable business performance.

Automated talent management is being enabled by new technologies such as cloud computing and mobility, which increase the frequency and depth of employee engagement significantly. Studies from Gallup, Hay Group and Towers Watson have shown that employee engagement has a quantifiable impact on business performance and employee retention.

“Companies with top quartile engagement generate revenue 2.5 times higher than the bottom quartile companies,” says Phil Lotter, CEO of Piilo Software, a people management and human resources software and services company. “The Corporate Leadership Council found that employees with lower engagement are four times more likely to leave their jobs than those who are highly engaged.”

He explains that cloud computing technology can now automate the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to exit, making it possible to understand each employee and manage their relationship with the organisation. “Cloud services and mobility access have meant that relationships with employees are extending beyond the workplace, becoming more personal, which deepens engagement, which increases the likelihood of retention,” he says.

Lotter says that HR technology supports the retention of staff in the following ways:

1. Recruiting the right people at the right time

People are more likely to be engaged if they are right for the job and working with other people who are placed in suitable jobs. “With technology driving recruitment, it’s possible to really focus on the job requirements,” says Lotter. “A line manager can create a job profile, and the system will publish it across various locations and on various media, receive CVs and automatically reject those that are not suitable. It makes the whole recruitment process transparent and shortens the cycle, with higher accuracy in recruitment of staff.”

2. Managing people’s skills and careers effectively

People feel that they are in dead-end jobs if there is no visibility of their career paths. Technology brings the employee lifecycle closer to the employees themselves, allowing career and skills discussions to happen based on the availability of easy to use and practical solutions containing real-time information.

“Career discussions have to happen because they align the expectations of the employer and employee,” says Lotter. “They can temper expectations or create excitement about the employee’s current role. Today software guides discussion and creates a record as a base for meaningful skills development.” The same technology also allows for plans to be put in place to upskill employees in line with their career goals and the needs of the organisation. The value derived from development and training can then be measured against defined outcomes.

3. Managing employees

Line managers are tasked with the day-to-day management of their employees, but without supporting technology and data in place, this can be a near to impossible task. The flexibility afforded to employers by cloud services and mobility solutions is providing management with user-friendly tools to assist them in this task. “HR solutions can automate leave management, time management, succession planning and skills development, and even highlight low productivity or high productivity individuals so that they can be appropriately managed,” says Lotter.

4. Managing staff issues proactively

“Managers often don’t want to deal with poorly performing staff, so they get sidelined or transferred out of the department so that they can do less harm,” says Lotter. “Many managers don’t have the tools to deal with weak performers.” Technology can facilitate this conversation, by putting a performance improvement plan in place, and creating opportunity for skills improvement. This process is completely transparent so that both the organisation and the employee understand that the procedure is being followed – whether the end result is an improvement in performance or the exit of the employee.

5. Providing business intelligence to support planning

Companies need to understand their strengths and weaknesses, so that they can implement a talent management plan to have the right people in the right place, recruit where necessary while addressing any weak areas. “Technology provides all sorts of business intelligence across the organisation – level of employee engagement, average performance, employee profitability, money spent on development and training. This allows managers to identify trends and understand what they need to do to drive the company forward,” says Lotter.

6. Managing performance and aligning it with organisational strategy and goals

“The key thing is that you want to utilise technology to drive the correct behaviour and cascade organisation strategy down to the lowest employee level,” says Lotter. “You can do this through having balanced scorecards in place, showing all employees what they need to contribute to for example grow market share and improve customer service.”

Performance management software can align all people’s activities towards achieving these goals, ensuring that their performance indicators are clear, and the measurement is agreed on. Automation forces people to weight performance objectives, provides for self-assessment online with interim discussions, so that staff understand what they need to deliver.

“This makes the processes fair, ensures that staff are engaged and motivated and even excited about their work and their careers,” says Lotter. “All of these different software tools deepen employee engagement and result in higher retention and a greater contribution to the bottom line. Technology is an enabler of business in reaching their business objectives. But this time cloud computing is making it affordable and easy to use for all size businesses across industries. ”

By Phil Lötter,

The CEO/Founder of Piilo Software, Phil Lötter has 18 years experience in international business consulting, technology, and business management. Phil worked for Accenture at Senior Manager level in South Africa and UK, and lectured Economics at the University of Pretoria. Phil has a Postgraduate degree in Economics and bachelors in Political Science, which he achieved both with distinction.

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